Electric Panel Upgrade
Electric Panel Upgrade | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | La Follette
When flickering lights, tripped breakers, or the demands of modern appliances start to strain your home’s wiring, HEP is ready to step in with expert electric panel upgrades right here in La Follette. Our licensed electricians evaluate your current load, install high-capacity breaker boxes, and streamline every circuit so your household can power today’s technology safely and efficiently. From seamless scheduling to spotless cleanup, we treat your home as carefully as we’d treat our own.
Customers across Campbell County choose HEP because we back every project with transparent pricing, premium components, and a satisfaction guarantee. Upgrading your panel not only protects your family from electrical hazards; it also adds real value to your property and opens the door for future additions like EV chargers or smart-home systems. Let us handle the hard work behind the walls so you can enjoy reliable power and total peace of mind.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade in La Follette?
Older homes in La Follette often have 60- or 100-amp fuse boxes or outdated breaker panels that were never designed for today’s appliance loads. Common warning signs include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, warm panel fronts, or lack of open breaker spaces when adding HVAC equipment, a hot tub, or an EV charger. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp (or larger) service improves safety, provides the capacity for new devices, and ensures compliance with current National Electrical Code (NEC) and Tennessee state amendments.
Do I need a permit for an electric panel upgrade in La Follette?
Yes. The City of La Follette requires an electrical permit whenever the service equipment (meter base, service disconnect, or panel) is replaced or altered. Your licensed electrical contractor will file the permit with the La Follette Building & Codes Department, coordinate the inspection, and arrange any utility disconnects and reconnects with La Follette Utilities. Never attempt a panel swap without the proper permit—it can lead to fines and delayed power restoration.
How long does a typical panel replacement take from start to finish?
After permitting and utility coordination are complete, the on-site work is usually finished in one day. Power is shut off for 4–8 hours while the old panel and service equipment are removed, conductors are re-terminated, grounding is upgraded, and the new panel is labeled and tested. An inspector from La Follette Codes then performs a same-day or next-morning inspection so the utility can re-energize the service. Larger service upgrades or meter relocations can add an extra day.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost in the La Follette area?
Pricing varies with amperage, wiring condition, grounding corrections, and service entrance length, but most 200-amp residential panel upgrades in La Follette range from $1,800 to $3,500 including permit fees. Projects that involve relocating the meter base, trenching for underground service, or upsizing to 320-amp/400-amp split bus panels for large homes can exceed $4,000–$6,000. You will receive a written quote after an on-site assessment.
Will upgrading my panel improve my home’s safety and insurance rates?
Absolutely. Modern panels feature robust bus bars, AFCI/GFCI breaker options, improved grounding, and clear labeling—all of which reduce the risk of overloads and electrical fires. Many insurance carriers in Tennessee surcharge or refuse coverage for homes with obsolete fuse boxes, Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok, or Zinsco panels; upgrading often eliminates those surcharges and may qualify you for premium discounts. Keep your inspection and completion paperwork for your insurer.
Why hire a licensed La Follette electrician instead of doing it myself?
Service equipment work is one of the most hazardous electrical tasks—incorrect torque, improper grounding, or loose connections can cause arcing, fire, or electrocution. Tennessee law requires that any work on the service entrance be performed by a state-licensed electrical contractor and inspected by the local authority. Professionals carry liability insurance, know local codes, and coordinate seamlessly with La Follette Utilities, ensuring a safe installation and hassle-free inspection approval.